Just as the clock struck two they reached Strathspey House. It seemed as dead in the moonlight as a spent firework; and Jasmine's heart sank.
"It does look as if they were very angry indeed," she said.
"They'll soon cheer up when they see the whiting," Vibart prophesied. "I'll ring."
He rang repeatedly, but there was no answer.
"Perhaps I'd better knock."
He knocked repeatedly; several windows in Balmoral were opened, and dim heads stared down inquisitively; but Strathspey House remained mute.
"Why doesn't that beastly dog bark?" complained Vibart. "It barks all day long. Perhaps I'd better shout."
"Oh no, don't shout."
"Will you ring the bell while I knock again?"
The orchestral effect achieved what the solo had failed to achieve. Sir Hector put out his long neck and asked severely if that were his niece.